Beaches :: Keokea ~ Kolekole Beach

From Keokea to Kolekole, these are the beaches of Hawaii Big Island's Hamakua Coast. Read this "Star-Bulletin" article about beach safety in Hawaii.

Keokea Beach County Park

Kapaau Vicinity, Big Island, Hawaii. This beautiful, postcard-perfect beach is quite popular with Kapaau residents, but sees little tourist activity due largely in part to its seclusion.

Location :: Two miles past Kapaau, along Akoni Pule Highway.

Access :: Approximately two miles past Kapaau heading southeast towards Pololu, look for a small fruit stand on your left. An access road leading to the beach is found near the stand.

Services :: Showers, restrooms, picnic facilities, a pavilion, tent/trailer camping (with permit).

Notes :: Because it lacks a protective coral reef, swimming at Keokea should only be attempted on calm days during the summer.

Waipio Beach

Kukuihaele Area, Big Island, Hawaii. The longest black sand beach on the entire island, Waipio Beach also ranks among Hawaii's most secluded (see ACCESS).

Location :: Approximately a ninety-minute drive north of Kukuihale.

Access :: The road leading down to Waipio from Kukuihale is steep and narrow and should only be attempted if you have four-wheel drive. If adventurous car treks aren't your thing, you would be better advised to catch the Waipio Valley Shuttle (telephone: 808-775-7121) at the Waipio overlook and take the ninety-minute tour down into the valley. Tickets can be purchased for thirty dollars at the Artworks.

Services :: None.

Notes :: Frequent riptides and strong wave action make swimming here dangerous and ill-advised. The beach is better utilized for surfing or swimming.

Laupahoehoe Beach Park

Laupahoehoe, Big Island, Hawaii. Remarkable only in its location, Laupahoehoe Beach Park occupies the low-lying peninsula where the town of Laupahoehoe once stood. The town has since been moved to higher ground overlooking the point.

Location :: Laupahoehoe, on Mamalahoa Highway.

Access :: Mamalahoa Highway.

Services :: Showers, picnic tables, camping (with county permit).

Notes :: Though the waves here are too rough for swimming, many local fishermen show up as well as some daredevil surfers. An onsite plaque commemorates the loss of twenty schoolchildren and their teacher who were swallowed up by the Great Tsunami of 1946.

Kolekole Beach Park

Hilo Vicinity, Big Island Hawaii. A tranquil span of black sand fronting a tossing ocean, Kolekole is especially popular with the locals, who use its five pavilions for a wide variety of social functions and special occasions.

Location :: Outside Hilo, a few minutes past Honomu along Mamalahoa Highway.

Access :: At the site of a tall, 100-foot bridge, look for a small sign pointing down a side road. The road leads down into the valley to the beach park.

Services :: Restrooms, picnic facilities, grills, pavilions, camping (with county permit).

Notes :: Do not swim here. The water is extremely dangerous. During the 1946 tsunami, the beach was flooded with over thirty feet of water.